NFL preseason DFS Week 1 action continues with a full main slate of games on Sunday evening. Unlike normal NFL DFS, NFL preseason DFS pricing is flat. With the current pricing structure, playing time is the most important variable to consider. This breakdown will analyze each team and point out potential edges within these teams. Be sure to check out the Awesemo NFL DFS projections and ownership projections for each preseason slate. And for those looking at a comprehensive preseason guide, make sure to check out our preseason primer.
NFL Preseason DFS Picks: Week 1 Sunday
Indianapolis Defense — Preseason DFS Showdown contests always start with the defenses. With most players seeing limited snaps, defenses capture an entire game’s worth of stats. More importantly, defenses spend a majority of the game facing backups. Indianapolis will play the whole game against P.J. Walker and Will Grier, creating ample turnover opportunities as a 3-point favorite.
Carolina Defense — Captaining one of these defenses often makes sense in preseason Showdown, as does playing a second defense in the Flex. Carolina has a slightly lower projection than Indianapolis as a 3-point underdog. However, they still face Sam Ehlinger, Jacob Eason and Brett Hundley today.
P.J. Walker — Carolina is not expected to play Sam Darnold, leaving two available quarterbacks. Walker is a former XFL superstar and transitioned to a backup role for the Panthers last year. He started one game last year against Detroit, completing 24 of 34 pass attempts for 258 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
Will Grier — Grier has now played with the Panthers for multiple seasons. He completed 67% of his passes for 3,865 yards, 37 touchdowns and eight interceptions in his final season in college. He should see the second half after Walker handles the first half.
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Chuba Hubbard — Carolina projects to play this game without Christian McCaffrey, Rodney Smith and Reggie Bonnafon. Hubbard should see extended run. He battled injury in 2020, but he recorded 2,094 yards rushing in 2019 at Oklahoma State. He also had two straight seasons of at least 22 receptions prior to his injury-riddled 2020.
Trenton Cannon — Cannon is on the back half of Carolina’s roster. Due to injuries, he may be thrust into a larger role today. Last year Cannon only had 13 touches, but he has decent upside as a pass catcher. He caught 17 passes as a depth back for the Jets in 2018.
Jordan Wilkins — Indianapolis projects to sit Nyheim Hines and Jonathan Taylor in this game. That leaves five backs: Wilkins, Marlon Mack, Benny LeMay, Darius Anderson and Deon Jackson. Wilkins recently battled a hamstring injury and will compete with Mack for a roster spot. Last year Wilkins rushed 84 times for 308 yards while catching 12 passes for another 105 yards.
Mike Strachan — Strachan has dominated training camp to this point. He caught 78 passes for 1,319 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2019 before COVID-19 cancelled his 2020 season. He is a burner who previously attempted to qualify for the Olympics as a sprinter but faced similar complications from COVID-19. The Colts will have eight healthy receivers today.
Shi Smith — Smith caught 57 passes for 633 yards and four touchdowns in 2020. Carolina only has eight healthy receivers, meaning Smith should find ample playing time.
Kylen Granson — Tight ends generally do not fare well on Showdown, but Indianapolis does not project to use much of Mo Alie-Cox or Jack Doyle. Granson caught 43 passes for 721 yards in 2019 with SMU.
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